At a Glance

Set amid a backdrop of snow-flecked coast mountains, lush rain forest and sandy beaches, Vancouver is spectacular by nature. Steadily earning accolades as one of the world’s most livable cities, Vancouver boasts stunning parks and seawall trails, rich history and remarkable cultural diversity. Go behind the scenes with local experts to get an insider's look at the distinct historical, architectural and cultural communities that give the city its unrivalled cosmopolitan nature. Explore well-known and hidden treasures, from a Ming Dynasty-styled rock garden and bustling sea port to eclectic neighborhoods and markets.

Activity Level

Keep the Pace

Walking 1-2 miles daily.

Small Group

Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you'll ...

Delve into Vancouver's art and cultural scene, its fascinating neighborhoods and history and rich Aboriginal culture at the Museum of Anthropology.

With a culinary expert, explore the eclectic food shops and exceptional fresh food market that make Granville Island famous.

Explore the temperate West Coast forest with expert ecologist as you stand amongst the some of the tallest old-growth red cedars and Douglas firs.

Featured Expert

All Experts

John Atkin

John Atkin is an author, historian and heritage advocate who has been fascinated with Vancouver since moving to the city over 30 years ago. He is the co-founder of the Heritage Vancouver Society, has contributed to a documentary on the city, and has appeared regularly on television and radio, including CBC Television and CTV’s Canada AM. John is the author of four books on Vancouver, including “Strathcona: Vancouver’s First Neighborhood,” and is an editor for the B.C. Historical Federation. As an expert on the heritage of Vancouver, John I eager to share his knowledge and guide you through the places he loves.

A fascinating history of the Canadian province from the 18th century to the mid-1990s. The author weaves portraits of major personalities and events into a readable overview of the cultural and social influences that have shaped the region.

This installment in the Then and Now series takes stock of Vancouver’s evolution by placing antique photographs side-by-side with contemporary ones. It peels back the years so that readers can see city fixtures as they once were.

In this highly accessible and authoritative guide to Vancouver's architecture, specialists Harold Kalman and Robin Ward take us on a tour of Vancouver's fourteen neighborhoods, exploring the city's rich architectural heritage in over 450 entries. Each entry includes historical, social and architectural commentary accompanied by striking, full-color photographs.

A beautifully written tribute to the Pacific Northwest. Drawn from the author's journals, this is an account of the natural and cultural history of an island in the waters of Haida Strait, with emphasis on the relationship between people and the land.

A wide-ranging conservation history of British Columbia and the North Pacific Ocean. Glavin lives in the Gulf Islands, where he writes frequently about fisheries and environmental issues facing the region.

Afternoon: Arrive to bustling Vancouver and transfer to the hotel. Program Registration. 4:00-5:00 p.m. Come meet our group leader in the lobby and get your welcome packet. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in and the front desk will be happy to help you.

Dinner: At the hotel, we’ll have a welcome dinner

Evening: We’ll begin our evening with an orientation session where we’ll get to know each other as well as review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes. We’ll go over important information as well as have time for questions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars or settle in for the night. You may also wish to explore what the city has to offer.

Morning: We’ll be joined by a local expert for a presentation on Vancouver’s history and culture and how it has evolved into a modern, progressive city. Examine the historical precedents and urban planning that have enabled this city — situated in an exceptional natural environment — to achieve its status as one of the most “livable” cities in the world. We’ll then depart on a field trip by coach through Vancouver’s downtown core en route to the Museum of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia. See some of the city’s most notable neighborhoods with commentary about points of interest along the way.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: Visit the Museum of Anthropology, with one of the world's outstanding collections of Pacific Northwest Aboriginal artifacts, and get a glimpse into the remarkable lives of the indigenous peoples of the northwest coast of British Columbia. On a self-guided exploration, see massive totem poles, carved boxes, bowls and feast dishes displayed in the Great Hall, and smaller but equally magnificent pieces in gold, silver, argillite, wood, ceramic, and other materials are exhibited in the galleries. Canada's largest teaching museum is located in a spectacular building overlooking mountains and sea. Its collections, exhibitions, and programs are renowned for providing insight into the cultures of indigenous peoples around the world. Next, take a short walk to the beautiful Nitobe Memorial Garden, part of the University of British Columbia Botanical Garden for walking field trip led by a local expert. This traditional, Japanese-styled oasis of serenity is considered one of the top five Japanese gardens outside Japan. It honors Nitobe Inazo (1862-1933), a noted agriculturalist, author, educator, and diplomat who wrote an internationally acclaimed book, “Bishido: The Soul of Japan.” Every element of the garden is designed to reflect harmony and an idealized conception of nature.

Morning: A member of the Stanley Park Ecology Society will provide a presentation on the natural history of the park, talking about the local flora and fauna. Then, follow our expert on a walking exploration of Stanley Park, a breathtaking space that remains unspoiled and a testimony to the giant trees which occupied the site of Vancouver in its former days. With the ocean and mountain vista as a backdrop, learn about this unique park and its temperate rainforest ecosystem. Its natural west coast atmosphere offers a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees which transports visitors to an environment rich in tranquility. World famous landmarks in the park will also be discussed including Lost Lagoon, totem poles, various monuments and sculptures, and the 5.5 mile seawall which encircles the entire park.

Lunch: We’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant

Afternoon: After lunch we will board the coach, stopping at several points of interest in Stanley Park and then transferring to Queen Elizabeth Park. Stop at Queen Elizabeth Park for a short walk. The park has nearly 129 acres (52 hectares) of greenspace including a quarry garden, an arboretum with exotic and native trees, and sculptures. Visit the Bloedel Conservatory, a slice of the tropics in the heart of Vancouver.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

4

Granville Island, Culinary Exploration and Tastings

Vancouver, BC

B,L

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Activity note: Getting on/off a bus. Walking up to 2 miles during the day on paved paths and groomed trails, standing for short periods during field trip; a few stairs with railings.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: In Granville Island, we’ll be joined by an expert from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts (PICA) for a historical and culinary exploration of Granville Island and the Public Market, known for its eclectic mix of artisanal food shops, studios, fine waterfront restaurants, theatres, galleries, an exceptional fresh food market. In this bustling public marketplace, savor samples of the market's many globally influenced and locally impassioned artisans, farmers. and food purveyors, and taste what's been grown, fished, and cooked fresh Along the way, learn what makes the island both a sensory and historic delight.

Afternoon: Free Time. Take this opportunity for personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. You might like to continue exploring the Market, visit one of the many museums and attractions in the city, or return to the hotel and relax.

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

5

Chinatown & Gastown, Sun Yat-sen Garden, Art Gallery

Vancouver, BC

B,D

The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver

Activity note: Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 1.5 miles during the day on paved sidewalks, paths; standing for short periods during field trip; a few stairs with railings.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel

Morning: Embark on a motorcoach field trip through Gastown with a stop at the Steam Clock, learning about this district's history. Then explore Chinatown by coach amid its brightly colored façades, street markets, and the buzz of modern-day commerce. Built by Chinese people to reflect their authentic culture and traditions, it is still predominantly populated by Chinese people. Learn about Chinatown's rich heritage, vibrant culture, and incredible food markets as we ride along colorful streets. Highlights include the Millennium Gate, a four-pillar, three-story high, brightly painted arch spanning Pender Street, erected in 2002 to mark the millennium and commemorate the Chinese community's role in Vancouver's history. Stop at a bakery for a Chinese apple tart and also stop at the Steam Clock in Gastown. Our next field trip is to the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Classical Chinese Garden, named for the man considered the father of modern China. It was the first of its kind outside China, an authentic representation of an age old garden tradition that reached its peak in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Garden is characteristic of the private spaces within a Ming scholar's residence. With its asymmetrical arrangement of rocks and plants, winding paths and corridors, and vistas that overlook its courtyards, the Garden emulates the rhythms of nature.

Lunch: Lunch on own to enjoy what you like.

Afternoon: Visit the Vancouver Art Gallery for a self-directed exploration of its beautiful works. The gallery has a permanent collection of more than 11,000 works of art including many by artists of the region. Among them are the largest group of paintings and works on paper by Emily Carr (1871-1945), one of the region’s most renowned artists, whose modernist style developed throughout her life. She is best known for themes on First Nations cultures, totems, and landscapes including rainforests. Other highlights of the Gallery include indigenous art, photography and conceptual art, and contemporary art from Asia.

Dinner: We’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant and a wrap-up session after dinner.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY

6

Program Concludes

Vancouver, BC

B

Activity note: Hotel check out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel. This concludes our program

Morning: We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Meals

12 Meals

5 Breakfasts

3 Lunches

4 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

The Road Scholar tour of Vancouver BC was extremely well organized, lectures were done by people of superior knowledge, and our tour leader was a delightful and competent person with extensive experience.
I will go on another Road Scholar tour as soon as possible.

Excellent tour of Vancouver, BC. Group leader went above and beyond. Anthropological lectures were like taking a class with 2 very competent but humorous instructors. Visit to Anthropological Museum was a definite high light.

The current Vancouver signature city program was particularly interesting to me in that my husband and I visited in 1986 got the World Fair and again with our children in the 1990's. We were interested to see the huge growth and changes in the city's skyline and population. I was impressed with efforts here to maintain sustainable growth. Our free time, traveling on local buses and chatting with a local or two gave us an additional sense of Vancouver's complex character.

It was an exciting city to visit. I thought the diversity of ethic peoples in and around the area was truly amazing. Weather was wonderful and the parks were astonishing. Definitely recommend this trip for anyone who wants to enjoy a different visual experience.